IV port holder and IV port

ABSTRACT

A housing for an IV port, the housing including two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined, and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. A method for administering an IV fluid to a subject that includes providing a housing for an IV port. The method includes the housing having two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined, and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. Further, attaching the housing to the mount and administering the IV fluid to the individual. An alternate embodiment is an IV port having an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element that engages an attachment site on a mount, so as to secure the IV port.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an IV port holding device and a method of use, as well as an IV port. The IV port holder includes a housing for an IV port that has two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined. Further the housing provides means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions so as to attach the IV port to a mount. According to another embodiment of the invention, the IV port includes an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element that engages an attachment site on a mount, thereby securing the IV port.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Conventional IV ports are in-line fittings positioned within a fluid delivery line. At one end of the fluid delivery line is a bulk IV source, typically a plastic bag, containing a fluid to be delivered intravenously to a patient. The fluid may be nothing more than buffered saline intended to keep a patient hydrated. Alternatively, the fluid may provide other nutrients or medications. At the other end of the fluid delivery line is an aperture that provides access to a vein of the patient.

It is known in the art that in-line fittings referred to as IV ports are spliced within the delivery line at a point intermediate between the veinous access point and the bulk IV source. The IV port typically includes a fluid delivery channel, which maintains fluid communication between the bulk IV source and the veinous access point, as well as an introduction port that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel via an introduction port channel. The introduction port is sealed in such a way that fluid may be introduced in a sterile manner from an introduction means, typically a syringe. Thus, the IV port enables a physician or licensed professional to administer quantities of a drug, which is carried into the circulatory system of the patient with the fluid administered from the bulk IV fluid source.

Generally, the above-mentioned introduction port can have different structural arrangements, for example one particular arrangement can consist of a tube end having a combination elastomeric plug and cap 23 mounted onto the tube end (see FIG. 1). In particular, the elastomeric plug usually is inserted into the end of the tube, and the cap extends across the end and down the sides of the IV port. Using a syringe with a needle, the physician or licensed professional injects the prescribed fluid through a hole in the plug, such that when the needle is removed, the hole in the plug or cap closes. Another particular structural arrangement for the above-mentioned introduction port can be a Luer lock 24, which is a type of fitting connector having a locking mechanism to secure a syringe (see FIG. 2).

However, a significant problem associated with known IV port holders, which is the lack of necessary support to the IV port while a physician or licensed professional is administering a prescribed fluid. A common practice for physicians or licensed professionals is to temporarily secure the IV port holder to the surrounding area of the patient using for example surgical tape. Aside from being inconvenient, time-consuming and unreliable, such ad hoc approaches can lead to needle-stick accidents that can transmit diseases.

What is needed therefore is an IV port holder and/or IV port that can be securely fastened within the surrounding area of the patient thereby enabling the physician or licensed professional to administer prescribes fluids using only one hand. As is discussed below, this is particularly important in the anesthesiology specialty as the physician is typically manipulating a gas mask with one hand while administering a drug through the IV port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an IV port housing which is useful in securing an IV port. In a preferred embodiment, the IV port housing comprises two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined. The preferred embodiment also includes means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. The expression “usably attaching” is intended to mean securing the IV port in a manner that enables a physician or licensed professional to inject a prescribed fluid into an injection port in the IV port. Preferably, the IV port is held so securely that the physician or licensed professional can administer the contents of a syringe into the injection port of the IV port using one hand if necessary. For example, in the context of anesthesiology, the present invention enables the physician or licensed professional to use one hand to hold a mask over the patient's nose and mouth, while at the same time using their other hand to administer the prescribed fluid into the IV port.

The invention provides a housing for an IV port, wherein the housing includes two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined. The housing includes the means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions to a mount. In preferred embodiments, the joinable shell portions are formed from molded or machined plastic and are connected by a live hinge.

According to another feature of the invention, the housing can include the means for securing joined shell portions in a joined configuration. For example, means employed for this purpose is a matter of design choice and a wide range of options would be recognized by one skilled in the art. The means for securing joined shell portions can be selected from a group consisting of friction, clip and snap fittings formed from cooperating elements on opposing joinable shell portions. The means for securing the joined shell portions can be selected from a group consisting of a tension loading device and/or a non-integral fastening device.

According to another feature of the invention, the means for usably attaching the joined IV port housing accommodating the IV port to a mount can include a formed element that engages an attachment site on the mount. Further, the engagement between the formed element and the attachment site can be indexable. In preferred embodiments the formed element may be shaped as a post or shaft, wherein the post or shaft can include portions of the two or more joinable shell portions. Further, the post or shaft can be shaped for indexable engagement with an indexing mount. Further still, the formed element can be selected from a group consisting of a snap element, a friction element and a clip element. The formed element may also slideably engage a cooperating element on the mount. In preferred embodiments the mount can include a bracket attached to a portion of an operating table.

In another aspect, the present invention that relates to a method for administering an IV fluid to a subject. The method includes providing a housing for an IV port, wherein the housing includes two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined, and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. Further, the method provides joining the two or more joinable shell portions about an IV port, so as to accommodate the IV port. Further still, the method includes providing additional elements required to establish fluid communication from an IV solution source to the circulatory system of the subject through the IV port. The method further provides attaching the housing accommodating the IV port to the mount and administering the IV fluid to the individual.

Another aspect of the invention includes an IV port relates to an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element that engages an attachment site on a mount, so as to secure the IV port. Further, the IV port provides an engagement element, which is rotationally adjustable in the engaged position. Further still, the rotational adjustment may be indexable. The integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element can be selected from a group consisting of a snap element, a friction element, and a clip element. Further, the integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element may slideably engage the attachment site on the mount.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an inside open view of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an inside open view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1, such that the IV port includes a Luer lock;

FIG. 3 shows an inside open view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1 without the IV port;

FIG. 4 shows closed view of the housing according to an aspect of the invention of FIG. 1 that is accommodating the IV port with a Luer lock;

FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the invention showing an IV port having an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention showing a perspective view in use including a mounting bracket in an up position and a down position;

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the invention of FIG. 6 showing a side view of the mounting bracket in the down position and up position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

The present invention relates to an IV port housing which is useful in securing an IV port. In a preferred embodiment, the IV port housing comprises two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined. The preferred embodiment also includes means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. The expression “usably attaching” is intended to mean securing the IV port in a manner that enables a physician or licensed professional to inject a prescribed fluid into an injection port in the IV port. Preferably, the IV port is held so securely that the physician or licensed professional can administer the contents of a syringe into the injection port of the IV port using one hand if necessary.

FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the invention, shows an inside open view of the housing 1 having an IV port 20 positioned in one shell 2 a of the two or more joinable shell portions 2 a and 2 b. A channel 8 is formed when the two to more joinable shells 2 a and 2 b are joined together, such that the channel 8 is sized and shaped to accommodate the IV port 20 in a non-deforming manner. FIG. 1. shows the shell halves, when closed, extending beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port. This is a matter of design choice as one of skill in the art will recognize that by extending the closed shell halves beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port, additional security is provided. For example, an inadvertent jarring of the IV port, in use, is far less likely to dislodge the IV tubing from the support (which would interrupt the flow of fluid from the bulk IV source to the patient). It will also be recognized that this extension of the closed shell halves beyond the insertion point is not a requirement of the invention. An IV port holder with shell halves which, when closed, do not extend beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the port can secure an IV port and such an embodiment is included within the scope of this invention. For those embodiments which, as shown in FIG. 1, include shell halves which when closed extend beyond the insertion point of the IV tubing into the IV port, the channel 8 can be adapted to house different size diameter tubing in a non-deforming manner, such as for tube 21 and/or tube 22.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the IV port 20 is positioned as an in-line fitting within a fluid delivery line system that includes several tubes, i.e., tube 21 and tube 22. For example, one end of tube 21 can be connected to the IV port 20 and the other end connected to a bulk IV source (not shown), which is typically a plastic bag, containing a fluid to be delivered intravenously to a patient. Further, one end of tube 22 can be connected to the IV port 20 and the other end can be connected to an aperture (not shown) that provides access to a vein of the patient (not shown). The IV port 20 includes an introduction port that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery line system (tubes 21 and 22 and IV port 20) via an introduction port channel 20 a. The introduction port as shown in FIG. 1 is the type mentioned-above having a combination elastomeric plug and cap 23 that is mounted onto the introduction port channel 20 a. The introduction port 23 seals in such a way that fluid may be introduced in a sterile manner from an introduction means, typically by a syringe (not shown). Thus, the IV port 20 enables a physician or licensed professional to administer quantities of a drug, which can be carried into the circulatory system of the patient with the fluid administered from the bulk IV fluid source. In particular, the present invention represents an advance over prior art designs by providing an IV port to be held so securely that the physician or licensed professional can administer the contents of a syringe into the injection port of the IV port using one hand.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in preferred embodiments the housing 1 does not encase the entire introduction port channel 20 a. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the contours of the closed shell portions may be variable based on specific design choices. All that is required in connection with the IV port housing of present invention is that the closed shell portions securely accommodate the IV port, and that the housing includes a means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount.

In FIG. 1, the means for usably securing the joined shell portions to a mount is shown as a post or shaft 3 formed by the closure of the shell portions 2 a and 2 b. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the post or shaft 3 is contributed by each of the shell halves 2 a and 2 b. This design ensures secure closure when the post or shaft 3 is inserted into the attachment site (e.g., a bore, not shown), for example, in a mount because the shell halves cannot possibly separate barring a substantial structural failure of the elements. That having been said, the post or shaft (or other securing means) need not include elements contributed by multiple shell portions.

Still referring to FIG. 1, as discussed above, the post or shaft 3 is representative of a generic class of formed elements which can function as means for attaching the IV port housing 1 to a mount (not shown). In preferred embodiments, the engagement between the IV port housing 1 accommodating the IV port 20 and the mount (not shown) is indexable. That is, the attachment or insertion point on the mount is shaped so as to enable the indexed insertion or attachment of the port housing 1. For example, consider the situation in which the mount (not shown) contains a decagonal insertion site, and the post or shaft 3 of port housing 1 includes complementary decagonal contact faces 4 (best shown, for example, as 44 in FIG. 5). These features, which facilitate indexed insertion of the port housing in the mount, enable a physician or licensed professional to secure the IV port in a position, which can be particularly convenient for use. One skilled in the art will recognize that indexing features may be designed in a great many ways, all of which are included within the scope of this invention.

Still referring to FIG. 1, it is possible the outer most end of post or shaft 3 can have a knob feature 5 that assists in securing the housing 1 to the mount (not shown). For example, the knob feature 5 can engage to a fastening element of complementary shape in the mount (not shown), wherein the knob feature 5 in combination with the fastening element provides for securing attachment to the mount.

FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the invention shows a securing means 6 for joining the shell portions 2 a and 2 b that includes a female opening 6 a and male element 6 b. For example, the male element 6 b (positioned on shell portion 2 b) can be inserted into the female opening 6 a (positioned on shell portion 2 a), so as to securely fasten the joined shell portions 2 a and 2 b together. FIG. 1 shows the female opening 6 a and male element 6 b having a cylindrical shape, however, it is possible that any shape (e.g., triangle, rectangle, etc.) can be used to provide for the securing means. Further, the securing means 6 can be selected from a group consisting of friction, clip and snap fittings formed from cooperating elements on the opposing joinable shell portions 2 a and 2 b.

Still referring to FIG. 1, according to an aspect of the invention, the joinable shell portions 2 a and 2 b can be connected by a live hinge. The term live hinge 25 can be understood to be a flexible material connecting the shell portions, so as to enable the shell portions 2 a and 2 b to open and close while being connected. It is possible the housing 1 can be formed from molded or machined plastic. Further, the housing 1 material can be selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloys, composite materials or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 according to an aspect of the invention shows an inside open view of the housing 1, wherein the IV port 20 has an introduction port that can be mated with a syringe through a Luer lock connection 24. It is possible according to an aspect of the invention, the housing 1 can be adapted to accommodate different types of introduction ports, and for that matter different types of IV ports in a similar non-deforming manner as discussed above for FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 according to an aspect of the invention shows an outside open view of the housing 1 without the IV port 20. The housing 1 can include cavities 7 positioned on the outside surfaces of the housing proximate the securing means 6. For example, a cavity 7 a can be positioned on the outside surface of the housing 1 proximate the female opening 6 a, and a cavity 7 b can be positioned on the outside surface of the housing 1 proximate the male element 6 b.

FIG. 4 shows a closed position of the housing 1 with a partial cut-away section showing part of the IV port near tube 21. Further, the housing 1 can have an inlet opening 9 for tube 21, an outlet opening 10 for tube 22 and an inlet opening 11 for the introduction port channel 20 a. Further, FIG. 4 shows an introduction port having a Luer lock fitting 24 positioned within the housing 1. Further still, as noted-above in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the securing means 6 b can be positioned in cavity 7 a so as to secure the joinable shell portions 2 a and 2 b.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein an IV port 40 has an integral formed non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 that engages an attachment site on a mount (not shown). The IV port 40 shows a Luer lock 24 type introduction port positioned within the housing 1. However, it is possible that other types of introduction ports can be used, such as the elastomeric introduction port 23 as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can include indexable features 44 that provide for securing means as well as an adjustment mechanism for the IV port 40 to the mount (not shown). It is possible the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a shape similar to a post or shaft, so the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can slidably engage the attachment site on the mount (not shown). Further, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 may include a cylindrical knob feature 45 that can be positioned at the outer most end of the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43, which is useful in securing the port to a mount. By non-limiting example, the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a diameter less than a main body 52 of the IV port 40. However, it is possible the non-fluid carrying engagement element 43 can have a diameter equal to or greater than the main body 52 of the IV port 40.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the IV port 40 can have indentations 54 or raised ribs on one side or both sides that provide for ease of handling of the IV port 40 by a healthcare provider. Further, FIG. 5 shows the IV port 40 having an inlet tube 21 and an outlet tube 22 attached to the IV port 40 which provide for similar functions as noted-above in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show another embodiment of the invention, wherein a mount 100 securely engages the IV port holder accommodating the IV port in such a way, so as to allow a physician or licensed professional to administer the contents of a syringe 130 into the injection port of the IV port using one hand if necessary. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mount 100 having a mounting bracket 110 fastened to an attachment site 120, such that the mounting bracket 110 can be adjustable in relation to a surgical table 140. In particular, FIG. 6 shows one mounting bracket in the up position and another mounting bracket in the down position relative to the surgical table. FIG. 7 shows a side view of the mount 100 with one mounting bracket position in the down position and another mounting bracket positioned in a the up position relative to the surgical table. Further, it is possible the attachment site 120 can be detachable from the mounting bracket 110 under a tension so as to provide an indexable adjustment. Further still, the attachment site 120 and/or the mounting bracket 110 can include a guard (not shown) to protect either the IV port or IV port holder from possible damage due to a healthcare provider leaning against the IV port and/or IV port holder.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A housing for an IV port, the housing comprising: two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined; and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount.
 2. The housing of claim 1, further comprising means for securing joined shell portions in a joined configuration.
 3. The housing of claim 2, wherein the means for securing joined shell portions is selected from the group consisting of friction, clip and snap fittings formed from cooperating elements on opposing joinable shell portions.
 4. The housing of claim 2, wherein the means for securing joined shell portions is selected from the group consisting of a tension loading device and a non-integral fastening device.
 5. The housing of claim 1, wherein the joinable shell portions are connected by a live hinge.
 6. The housing of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from molded or machined plastic.
 7. The housing of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloys and composite materials.
 8. The housing of claim 1, wherein the means for usably attaching the joined IV port housing accommodating the IV port to a mount comprises a formed element that engages an attachment site on the mount.
 9. The housing of claim 8, wherein the formed element is rotationally adjustable in the engaged position.
 10. The housing of claim 9, wherein the rotational adjustment in the engaged position is indexable.
 11. The housing of claim 9, wherein the formed element is a post or shaft.
 12. The housing of claim 11, wherein the post or shaft is shaped for indexable engagement.
 13. The housing of claim 9, wherein the post or shaft is comprised of portions of the two or more joinable shell portion.
 14. The housing of claim 8, wherein the formed element is selected from a group consisting of a snap element, a friction element and a clip element.
 15. The housing of claim 8, wherein the formed element slideably engages a cooperating element on the mount.
 16. The housing of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a bracket attached to a portion of an operating table.
 17. The housing of claim 1, wherein the means for usably attaching the joined two or more shell portions is adjustable.
 18. The housing of claim 1, wherein the means for usably attaching the two or more joined shells accommodating the IV port to the mount is an indirect means comprising a gang array support, the gang array support comprising: a) a formed element which engages an attachment site on the mount; and b) a plurality of attachment sites for joined shell portions, each accommodating an IV port.
 19. A method for administering an IV fluid to a subject, the method comprising: a) providing a housing for an IV port, the housing comprising: i) two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined; and ii) means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount; b) joining the two or more joinable shell portions about an IV port, thereby accommodating the IV port; c) providing additional elements required to establish fluid communication from an IV solution source to the circulatory system of the subject through the IV port; c) attaching the housing accommodating the IV port to the mount; and d) administering the IV fluid to the individual.
 20. An IV port comprising: an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element that engages an attachment site on a mount, thereby securing the IV port.
 21. The IV port of claim 20, wherein the engagement element is rotationally adjustable in the engaged position.
 22. The IV port of claim 21, wherein the adjustability of the engagement with the attachment site is indexable.
 23. The IV port of claim 20, wherein the integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element is a post or shaft.
 24. The IV port of claim 23, wherein the post or shaft is shaped for indexable engagement.
 25. The IV port of claim 20, wherein the integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element is selected from a group consisting of a snap element, a friction element, and a clip element.
 26. The housing of claim 20, wherein the mount comprises a bracket attached to a portion of an operating table. 